2026 Season Kicks Off! Rookie League U-16 National 9 Areas
Key facts
- 2026 Season Kicks Off! Rookie League U-16 National 9 Areas
- The Rookie League U-16, now in its eighth year, provides a nationwide league for first-year high school students across nine areas of Japan. Teams compete in regional leagues, with winners advancing to the MIZUNO CHAMPIONSHIP U-16 Rookie League in December to determine the national champion. The league aims to foster youth soccer talent and contribute to the overall advancement of Japanese football.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: April 8, 2026
Direct answer
The Rookie League U-16, now in its eighth year, provides a nationwide league for first-year high school students across nine areas of Japan. Teams compete in regional leagues, with winners advancing to the MIZUNO CHAMPIONSHIP U-16 Rookie League in December to determine the national champion. The league aims to foster youth soccer talent and contribute to the overall advancement of Japanese football.
- Citation
- 2026 Season Kicks Off! Rookie League U-16 National 9 Areas (April 8, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- April 8, 2026
The Rookie League U-16, now in its eighth year, provides a nationwide league for first-year high school students across nine areas of Japan. Teams compete in regional leagues, with winners advancing to the MIZUNO CHAMPIONSHIP U-16 Rookie League in December to determine the national champion. The league aims to foster youth soccer talent and contribute to the overall advancement of Japanese football.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 09:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 18, 2026 at 12:44 (243h 42m after Collected)
What is Rookie League U-16?
First-year high school students immediately after entering high school compete in a year-round league with their new teams.
League matches are held in each area: "Hokkaido", "Tohoku", "Hokushinetsu", "Kanto", "Tokai", "Kansai", "Shikoku", "Chugoku", and "Kyushu/Okinawa". Teams that win their league advance to the "MIZUNO CHAMPIONSHIP U-16 Rookie League" held in December, where the annual national Rookie League champion is decided.
All regional Rookie Leagues were established in 2018, making the 2026 season its eighth year. The operation of each regional Rookie League tournament is managed independently by the participating teams, and with the cooperation of each team, they are working together to make it a success.
It's a captivating private league where teams that resonate with the idea of providing a serious competition platform for first-year students gather, and intense matches are played across the country.
We aim to contribute to the overall improvement of Japanese football through strengthening youth development in soccer.

Official Website is Full of Information! Flash Reports After Every Weekend Match!
Information on participating teams, player details, and flash reports of results will be posted on the official websites of each area league and the national tournament.
【Official Website】
MIZUNO CHAMPIONSHIP U-16 Rookie League (National Tournament)
Rookie League U-16 HOKKAIDO
https://u16-rookie-league.com/hokkaido
Tohoku U-16 Rookie League
https://u16-rookie-league.com/tohoku
Hokushinetsu U-16 Rookie League
https://u16-rookie-league.com/hokushinetsu
Kanto ROOKIE LEAGUE U-16
https://u16-rookie-league.com/kanto
Tokai Rookie League U-16 ~create the future~
https://u16-rookie-league.com/toukai
Kansai U-16 ~Groeien~
https://u16-rookie-league.com/kansai
Chugoku Rookie League ~LIGA NOVA~ U-16
https://u16-rookie-league.com/chugoku
CLIMB Shikoku U-16 League
https://u16-rookie-league.com/shikoku
Kyushudanji U-16 League
https://u16-rookie-league.com/kyushudanji









FAQ
What is the name of the national championship tournament for the Rookie League U-16 in 2026?
The national championship tournament for the Rookie League U-16 in 2026 is called the MIZUNO CHAMPIONSHIP U-16 Rookie League.
How many regional leagues are part of the Rookie League U-16 competition across Japan?
There are nine regional leagues in the Rookie League U-16: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokushinetsu, Kanto, Tokai, Kansai, Shikoku, Chugoku, and Kyushu/Okinawa.
Which high school won the 2025 MIZUNO CHAMPIONSHIP U-16 Rookie League national tournament?
Riseisha High School Football Club won the 2025 MIZUNO CHAMPIONSHIP U-16 Rookie League national tournament.
When was the Rookie League U-16 first established and how many seasons will 2026 mark?
The Rookie League U-16 was first established in 2018, making the 2026 season its eighth year of competition.
Where is information about match results and player details for Rookie League U-16 published?
Information about match results and player details for Rookie League U-16 is published on the official websites of each area league and the national tournament.